Drumdog Posted March 4, 2019 Share Posted March 4, 2019 Circling Raven Golf Course - Worley, Idaho The rolling hills of the Palouse, 30 miles south of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is home to the Circling Raven golf course and the Coeur d’Alene Casino resort hotel and spa. The hotel/casino hosts many events such as concerts, boxing and mixed martial arts as well as the gaming and restaurants. The golf course is an emerald green gem in the midst of the golden wheat fields and evergreen trees that dominate the area. Practice area – Grade A+ Driving Range – Pyramids of balls await you on this very large range with 10 different targets to shoot at from 60 yards out to 260 yards and lots of run out room after that. The distances are all lasered and marked on a couple of signs that are moved daily. It’s an all grass range that has 2 very deep teeing areas with plenty of room to move the tees so the grass has a chance to heal. There are 2 large fairway bunkers to hit from as well. The cost of all range balls is included in your greens fees. Wedge Range (inset above) – There is a “wedge only” range next to the full sized one with its own ball pyramids. There are 8 grass stations to hit from and are moved daily as well. It has its own gigantic green and 7 actual holes with flags to shoot to. It is approximately 70 yards to the farthest pin and a sign marks the distances to each one. A greenside bunker is on end of the green, so you can hit shots from 10 feet to about 40 yards. Putting Green – Very large, with plenty of undulations and 12 holes to putt to. The speed of it is very similar to the course greens. It has 2 “fairway” spots to chip from as well as the well groomed rough and “first cut” all the way around it. With the size and undulations in this green you can have just about any kind of chip you want to practice…flat, uphill, downhill, side hill, fairway or rough. This 25 acre practice facility has to be one of the best I have ever been to, so I give it the A+ rating. Hole #3 - 186yds from the blue tees Course conditions – Grade B+ Tee boxes – All the tee boxes are well groomed and pretty flat. (even the forward tees, which my wife appreciates!) Fairways – The fairways looked to have been aerated about 3 weeks ago and were mostly healed. Normally the fairways are in fantastic condition and well-manicured. Rough – The rough here can be….well…rough at times. There are two cuts of rough and then most of holes are lined by “Protected Wildlife Areas” that are not to be accessed. The second cut of rough they tend to leave at 2-3” to try and minimize the number of balls and golfers going into the “PWA”. Sand Traps – Every hole has at least one big bunker and most have multiples. All of which are filled with white fluffy sand with a firm base that is perfect for getting that “thump” when you want it. Greens – The greens here are usually pretty fast, but like the fairways, they had been punched about 3 weeks ago, so they were just a little sandy and a bit slower than usual. On the norm, I would rate these greens as some of the best in the Pacific Northwest. Typically very receptive but still firm enough to get some speedy putts. The aeration is the reason I give the current condition the B+. Mid season, I would give it an A. Hole #5 - 529yds from the blue tees - Par 5 Layout – Grade B+ The course is very challenging from the back tees with lots of long forced carries over protected areas. It is not a flat course by any means. Built in the rolling hills of the Palouse provides lots of elevation changes. 2 of the par 3’s have about 40’ of drop. Doglegs with trees and bunkers will make you ponder on your shot shape and gambling nerves. Holes 9 and 18 both come back to the clubhouse. There is little chance of hitting into another fairway as you are mostly separated by either trees or wide protected areas. There are some creeks to cross on the well-built wooden bridges. Five tee boxes offer a variety of course lengths from 4708 to 7189 yards. With this many options, there is enough challenge for any and all skill levels. Pace of play – Grade A My 4some which comprised of 2 couples played the course in 4 hours. We could have easily done it in 3 ½ if not for a few ball searches in the deeper rough. We also let a 3some play through on the 5th hole and then a 2some a few holes later. This course always plays fast and is not usually crowded. There is not a lot of walking since the distance between holes can be a real hike. Did you see Marshalls on the course? – Yes, we saw a Marshall twice. Price – Grade B+ Based on the factors above, are the prices being offered by the course a fair value for the experience you receive? Yes, while the $89 (starting May 16) is more than a lot of courses in the area, the price includes full use of the 25 acre practice facility with all the balls you want to hit and a GPS cart. The carts are the safest ones I have ever seen. The gps automatically slows the cart down to 7 mph when coming to a downhill grade or one of the many bridges over the creeks and all around the clubhouse. You can order drinks and food between nines right from the gps screen so it's ready when you get there. Do they offer any deals or specials? Till May 15th the daily fee is $79 then it goes to $89 on weekdays. They have a variety of Stay and Play packages with the Casino hotel just 1 minute from the course. Rental clubs are Titleist (I believe) at $50 per round. Amenities – Grade B+ Were the locker rooms available and clean? Very clean locker rooms with towels should you want to shower. Was there a person on the course selling drinks? 2 refreshment carts were out on the course with all sorts of beverages and food. You can also order from your cart and pickup at the turn. Bathrooms on the course available? Very nice and clean bathrooms, one on each nine. Restaurants and/or Grill Room/Bar? The Twisted Earth Grill in the clubhouse offers a wide array of menu items. From full breakfasts to dinners. A full bar is in the grill. Clubhouse – Beautiful, spacious with lots of items and equipment for sale and well stocked. #17 - 519yds from the blue tees - Par 5 Overall – Grade A I could go on and on about how much I like this course and why, but I will keep it short in saying that this is a Must Play course if you visit this area. The course is always in terrific condition. The views of rolling wheat fields backed by tree covered mountains are beautiful. The course and surrounding area is home to varied wildlife such as bald eagles, deer, coyotes and elk that are often seen. The people that work there, from the clubhouse to the cart gals to the grounds crew, are always friendly and helpful. For all the reasons above in my review, I give this course the A grade. Website - https://www.cdacasino.com/golf/ mesaman777, GolfSpy MPR, PING Apologist #9 and 4 others 6 1 Quote Driver: Callaway GBB Epic 9.0* 3-Wd: Taylormade M1-3HL Hybrid: Taylormade Superfast 2.0 - 18* Irons: Callaway Apex CF-19 5-PW Wedges: Cleveland 50, 56, 58 Putter: Taylormade Ghost Spider Ball : Callaway Chrome Soft Yellow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny B Posted March 4, 2019 Share Posted March 4, 2019 Nice overview! I like the course a lot, much better than the CdA resort course IMO. Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesaman777 Posted March 4, 2019 Share Posted March 4, 2019 Dude, you missed your calling. You should be writing for a magazine. Or you should have your own blog. This is fantastic!Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drumdog Posted March 4, 2019 Author Share Posted March 4, 2019 Thanks for the kind words. I'd love to write for a magazine.....or this site? I also like Circling Raven overall better than the Coeur d'Alene resort course. The floating green at CdA is a huge draw, but the expense keeps me from playing there more often. mesaman777 and Kenny B 2 Quote Driver: Callaway GBB Epic 9.0* 3-Wd: Taylormade M1-3HL Hybrid: Taylormade Superfast 2.0 - 18* Irons: Callaway Apex CF-19 5-PW Wedges: Cleveland 50, 56, 58 Putter: Taylormade Ghost Spider Ball : Callaway Chrome Soft Yellow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny B Posted March 4, 2019 Share Posted March 4, 2019 My wife and I play in Spokane a lot. She grew up there. He dad was club champion at the old Spokane CC, Manito CC, and Hayden Lake. We will probably play CR this year; missed it last year. Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drumdog Posted March 4, 2019 Author Share Posted March 4, 2019 Kenny, when you and the wife come up this way to play, give me a shout. My wife is as much of a golf addict as I am. We live across the street from MeadowWood GC. It is one of my favorite tracks in the area. Quote Driver: Callaway GBB Epic 9.0* 3-Wd: Taylormade M1-3HL Hybrid: Taylormade Superfast 2.0 - 18* Irons: Callaway Apex CF-19 5-PW Wedges: Cleveland 50, 56, 58 Putter: Taylormade Ghost Spider Ball : Callaway Chrome Soft Yellow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny B Posted March 4, 2019 Share Posted March 4, 2019 1 minute ago, Drumdog said: Kenny, when you and the wife come up this way to play, give me a shout. My wife is as much of a golf addict as I am. We live across the street from MeadowWood GC. It is one of my favorite tracks in the area. Will do. We played Liberty Lake a few years ago, but have never played MeadowWood. We're old and I remember that MeadowWood seemed a little long. Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fixyurdivot Posted March 5, 2019 Share Posted March 5, 2019 Looks like a great course. Thanks for the review! Quote G410 Plus, 9 Degree Driver G400 SFT, 16 Degree 3w G400 SFT, 19 Degree 5w ZX5 Irons 4-AW Glide 2.0 56 Degree SW (removed from double secret probation ) ER5v Putter (Evnroll ER5v Official Review) AI-One Milled Seven T CH (Currently Under Product Test) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregB135 Posted April 22, 2019 Share Posted April 22, 2019 Always made sure to play the Raven at least once a season when living in Spokane. Fantastic course. Quote Driver: 311XF Gen5, Tensei CK Pro Orange, S flex Fariway: 311XF Gen6 3-Wood, Tensei Blue 55g R flex Hybrid: 211, 3H Project X Evenflow H, 80g, 5.5 TSR2 4H, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester) Irons: T200 2023, Tensei Blue R (Forum Tester), 5-GW Wedges: CBX2 Zipcore 52*, 56* Project X Catalyst Spinner Graphite Shaft Putter: ER2 Murdered Out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRISWITHAK Posted May 6, 2020 Share Posted May 6, 2020 Awesome review!! Love the course and agree it's better than CDA Resort. The Resort course is always in tip top shape but I played at CR about 2 1/2 weeks ago and it was in unreal shape for how early in the year it is. Quote M3, 9.5, TENSEI 70, X 913F, 15, DIAMANA 72, S 913H, 19, DIAMANA 82, S SUB70 639 CB 4-6 MB 7-PW, KBS TOUR, X ZTP 52, 56 SM7 60 STUDIO SELECT NEWPORT 2, SUPERSTROKE TRAXION TOUR 2.0 TP5X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patpott Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 Very nice review. I hope to make it up there this summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boat22 Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 I have some work coming up later this year in Boise. What are some other good options, if any for golf in the area? Nice review! Quote Mavrik Subzero, 9.5*, VA Nemesys 75, Golfpride MCC Align Midsize Mavrik Max Fairway Wood, 15*, Stock shaft, Golfpride MCC Midsize Titleist U500 21*, Hzrdus Smoke Stiff, Golfpride MCC Midsize 2020 Ben Hogan Icon Irons 8-PW, Project X LZ, Golfpride MCC Midsize 2020 Ben Hogan PTxPro Irons 4-7, Project X LZ, Golfpride MCC Midsize Vokey SM8 50*, 54*, 60*, Stock vokey shaft, Golfpride MCC Midsize Scotty Cameron California Mid-Mallet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny B Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 4 minutes ago, boat22 said: I have some work coming up later this year in Boise. What are some other good options, if any for golf in the area? Nice review! I haven't played in Boise, but Circling Raven is NOT "in the area" unless you consider a 6-7 hour drive in the area. I suppose you could fly into Spokane. I received an email this week... Circling Raven is offering Spring rates for the whole year. Good deal, and include stay and play packages. boat22 1 Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boat22 Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 3 minutes ago, Kenny B said: I haven't played in Boise, but Circling Raven is NOT "in the area" unless you consider a 6-7 hour drive in the area. I suppose you could fly into Spokane. I received an email this week... Circling Raven is offering Spring rates for the whole year. Good deal, and include stay and play packages. Oh I see, wow. Thanks. That is a good deal, but most likely won't be able to take the trip that far out of Boise. Kenny B 1 Quote Mavrik Subzero, 9.5*, VA Nemesys 75, Golfpride MCC Align Midsize Mavrik Max Fairway Wood, 15*, Stock shaft, Golfpride MCC Midsize Titleist U500 21*, Hzrdus Smoke Stiff, Golfpride MCC Midsize 2020 Ben Hogan Icon Irons 8-PW, Project X LZ, Golfpride MCC Midsize 2020 Ben Hogan PTxPro Irons 4-7, Project X LZ, Golfpride MCC Midsize Vokey SM8 50*, 54*, 60*, Stock vokey shaft, Golfpride MCC Midsize Scotty Cameron California Mid-Mallet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny B Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 2 minutes ago, boat22 said: Oh I see, wow. Thanks. That is a good deal, but most likely won't be able to take the trip that far out of Boise. If you ever get up to N. Idaho/Spokane WA area, it is definitely worth a play. The LPGA cancelled the Symetra Tour event there tis year... I'd go to see that and stay and play. boat22 1 Quote “We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boat22 Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 2 minutes ago, Kenny B said: If you ever get up to N. Idaho/Spokane WA area, it is definitely worth a play. The LPGA cancelled the Symetra Tour event there tis year... I'd go to see that and stay and play. Will do! I know that area has a bunch of good golf and some nice resorts as well. Kenny B 1 Quote Mavrik Subzero, 9.5*, VA Nemesys 75, Golfpride MCC Align Midsize Mavrik Max Fairway Wood, 15*, Stock shaft, Golfpride MCC Midsize Titleist U500 21*, Hzrdus Smoke Stiff, Golfpride MCC Midsize 2020 Ben Hogan Icon Irons 8-PW, Project X LZ, Golfpride MCC Midsize 2020 Ben Hogan PTxPro Irons 4-7, Project X LZ, Golfpride MCC Midsize Vokey SM8 50*, 54*, 60*, Stock vokey shaft, Golfpride MCC Midsize Scotty Cameron California Mid-Mallet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patpott Posted May 22, 2020 Share Posted May 22, 2020 I saw where Circling Raven is keeping their spring rates for the entire year. I was thinking of flying in to take advantage a stay and play package. Does anyone know if Circling Raven/Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort is affiliated with Couer d'Alene Resort? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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